If the dynamics of US1 don't change, there will be no waiting it out. You're not bribing new players, you're making them feel welcome. Welcoming them so they stay, will create a new base from which to work. The Devs would be cutting their own throats making US1 the default server without a...
Just a thought, but have you considered turning on the notification of new players, welcoming them to the game, sending them a pie, and asking how you can help? As a 95, I still get a kick out of leveling up a low player and...it's something to do.